SPFL to allow clubs to postpone matches ahead of UEFA qualifiers

The SPFL will allow Scotland’s representatives in European competition to postpone league games ahead of UEFA play-off ties.

The league body says it has made the move to support Scottish sides as they look to reach the League Phase of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League competitions.

From next season, the Premiership title holders will need to come through a play-off tie while the runners-up will enter in qualifying round 2. The team in third place will enter the Europa League qualifying round 2, and the fourth-placed team will enter the Conference League in qualifying round 2.

The Scottish Cup winners, or the club which finishes third, if the Scottish Cup is won by the Premiership winners, will enter the Europa League play-off round.

Now, any of those sides can postpone their league game on Premiership matchday three to help with their preparations for the match. Previously, an application would need to be made to the SPFL and require board approval as well as the consent of the opposition team.

The rule change, which takes effect from next season, comes after recommendations from the SPFL’s Competitions Working Group, which is comprised of representatives of the member clubs.

SPFL chief operating officer Calum Beattie said: “We are understandably very keen to support our clubs in qualifying for the league phase of UEFA competitions.

“There are huge benefits in having our clubs in the latter stages of European football. Not only does it help Scotland’s UEFA coefficient ranking and the reputation of our league, but there are clear commercial benefits for the competing clubs, as well as important solidarity payments for our non-participating clubs.

“It is possible we will have a number of clubs participating in the play-off round for UEFA competitions in season 2025/26 but due to the extremely congested nature of our fixture calendar, our options to support clubs are unfortunately very limited.

“This new policy has received extremely positive feedback from our clubs on the SPFL Competitions Working Group, which believe it will be beneficial in their aims of reaching the league phase of UEFA competitions, and we’re pleased to be introducing it for next season.”